Are you ready to experience the ultimate summer treat? Forget store-bought ice cream, because today we're diving into the delicious world of homemade blueberry ice cream! This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks, and the result? Creamy, bursting-with-flavor ice cream that will leave you wanting more. It's the perfect healthy alternative to those sugary store-bought options and a fantastic quick dinner dessert! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, no need to thaw)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Making the Blueberry Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the blueberries have softened and released their juices. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2: Blending for Smoothness
Once the blueberry mixture has cooled, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer it to a regular blender and blend until smooth. This step is crucial for a creamy texture without blueberry chunks.
Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Gently stir in the cooled blueberry puree and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Churning the Ice Cream
Pour the ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Hardening the Ice Cream
Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until solid. This allows the ice cream to harden and develop a richer texture.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Ice Cream:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Both work perfectly! Frozen blueberries will create a slightly icier texture, but are just as delicious.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If using very sweet blueberries, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
- Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract will elevate the flavor of your ice cream.
- Don't Over-Churn: Over-churning can result in icy ice cream. Follow your ice cream maker's instructions carefully.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the ice cream mixture for a zesty twist.
- Blueberry Swirl: Make a simple blueberry sauce (as directed above) and swirl it into the ice cream after churning but before freezing.
- Yogurt Blueberry Ice Cream: Replace some of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size but a reasonable estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
This delicious homemade blueberry ice cream is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s perfect for a hot summer day, a special occasion, or simply a delightful way to end any meal. Enjoy this delicious and simple recipe – it's the best recipe for blueberry ice cream you'll ever try!